A proposal to prevent subway and bus fare hikes is being met with resistance by many, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The State Senate yesterday released a draft bill that would impose a one-dollar taxi surcharge, a payroll tax, and various other charges.

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith says he’s confident the measure would get the 32 votes needed to pass, which would require some Republican support. But the mayor said he is against the idea.

“While I haven’t read the bill, I’m a little bit bothered by a proposal that would put a taxi fare surcharge here in the city to build roads upstate,” Bloomberg said. “New York City does already send an enormous amount more money to Albany than we get back.”

Meanwhile, the State Assembly is working on its own version of a bill to bail the MTA out of its $1.2 billion and growing debt.

That proposal calls for a $2 toll on East and Harlem River crossings. If the state doesn’t act, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority fare hikes and service cuts will go into effect May 31st.

As Albany lawmakers debates a bailout, the MTA is moving forward with some cost-cutting measures. In addition to the planned service cuts and fare hikes, the cash-strapped agency is imposing a freeze on hiring and all non-essential spending.

On Monday, the agency will forecast its budget. It’s predicted the deficit could balloon to $2 billion by the end of the year.

(Source: NY1)